Old and Gone away but They Had a Good Run
Founded in 1983 by Pitston Company Brinks grew in numbers. With a solid name in security since 1859 when Perry Brink used horse ‘n buggy to deliver safe goods from one place to another.
Brinks Home Security (BHS) continued to grow in numbers and popularity with their burglar and fire alarm services. At last in 2008, BHS became a separate alarm service entity only to be bought out and become Broadview 1 year later in 2009. Then for the price of $2 billion, ADT (Tyco International) bought and merged Broadview.
With these rapid and large changes in Home Security many customers have been confused as to who is their service provider. If you were originally a Brinks or Broadview customer, we recommend calling ADT and asking for current signs as criminals know those two companies no longer exist (and may decide to break in your home.)
With Brinks and ADT having such a solid and lengthy history in security, choosing an Authorized ADT Dealer is a great choice. You can read our in-depth review of ADT or visit the website to learn more.
Pros
– All large, trusted names in home security.
– Brinks had happy customers but stood their ground in transport securities and sold their company to Broadview which is now ADT.
– All settled and under the largest name in Home Security now, ADT LLC.
Cons
– Confusion. We have spoken with dozens of Brinks old customers who thought they were still a customer of BHS. With all the merging that took place within such a short time frame (2 new names in 2 years) it left customers in a daze. Many do not know who to pay or who is monitoring their alarm.
– Lack of support. A new yard sign was supposed to be sent out on each new merge. Thousands of customers did not get the new signs and therefore show proof of old signs in yards. Tyco International did their best to keep customers aware of the changes. However, with millions of customers and two big changes, mass confusion is bound to happen.
No products found.
The end of the line
If you still have an old brinks security sign out in their front yard; it is time to remove it. Criminals know they are no longer a company. If you did not get a new sign sent to you and; you are still paying a monthly bill contact ADT for a new sign. They white and blue sign was trusted by thousands but is no longer available. They still deliver money safely between businesses and banks but no longer offer residential alarm systems. Better luck with some of the other companies reviewed here at Alarm Reviews!
Brinks was a great brand of home security and will continue to exist in money movement for large corporate banks and more.
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Growing up with Law and Order and CSI shows taught Isabelle Landau one thing: if people back then had high-quality home security systems, those series would have been way shorter. In our modern world, technology helps us keep burglars away easily, and this is what Izzy studies and writes about: alarm systems, home security, protection systems, and more.
Last update on 2023-05-14 at 03:33 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Sally S Carr says
I recently bought a home in South Carolina and had to “assume” the contract for Brinks Home Security from them. It became a nightmare of epic proportions. I can’t say that EVERYONE I talked to was rude, condescending and unethical, but most were. Please do not assume a contract when purchasing a home, tell the seller no, adamantly!!
They do nothing of what they advertise either on their website or on their messages while your on hold for half the day. They notate your account while talking to them and lie!! All with the bottom line of up selling in mind.
I saw a review that all brinks customers have been moved over to ADT, and I don’t believe that, because when I get a phone call from them the ID says Brinks!!
Drop them, drop them like a hot potato!
Juan says
Brinks is one of the most unethical companies I have ever dealt with. I have been a paying customer of Brinks (and its predecessor) for five years. In those five years, I have never missed or been late with a payment. Last month, they added some vague $11.00 “permit fee” to my account. Brinks never bothered to send me an invoice – whether regular mail or electronically. The first I found out about this charge was when I received a collections call two days ago from Brinks telling me me I now owe them $17. Yes, that is a 60% late fee! They called me SIX TIMES yesterday, and SIX TIMES today. This is the way they treat a loyal, on-time paying customer of the past five years. I will be cancelling their service, for I do not appreciate being treated like a common criminal for a measly $11.00. Do yourselves a favor, STAY AWAY FROM BRINKS!!!!!!!
Ron says
Brinks took over Live Watch and they NEVER UPDATED the phone number to call in to cancel an alarm or for tech support.. Found out when I just had an alarm and called in and was told that we have not monitored your home for about a year. That started to get me asking questions. The number on my alarm panel screen was never updated as well. As a customer service when you changed the Live Watch logo you should have updated the call in numbers displayed to the customer as well!
THANKS BRINKS!
Now searching for a new system that works better with better customer support! Just like LIVE Watch had!
I will pay my money to a company that does their job, that meets expectations. Right now Brinks is not and they are in the process of loosing a customer!
Many of the reasons are being repeated in this thread by others. Other reasons identify weaknesses in their products that I’n not going to publicly comment on. Just avoid Brinks!
5-23-19
Marie says
Horrible. Contract issues. They can’t tell me how long of a contract I’m in after the switch from MONI. They can’t tell me when my contract ends. Sometime they say in 24 months then another rep will say I’m in a 4 yr contract. I’ve asked them to send me paperwork and they can’t. They’ve changed all my online bills to reflect Brinks and all to reflect that I’ve lived in the same home address except I’ve not lived in the same home. The customer service reps do not provide any information. My bills keeps changing. AVOID THIS Company.
Steve says
I had Brinks-home-security for a couple of years. I did break the contract but I didn’t know it was one year more year on contract. I did it over the phone and it was 64 months. they didn’t give me a choice for 34 or 64 months. I said I was going to quit and they lowered it $34 and it starts going up then have to call him again and goes down. they don’t fix it as a fix rate. I want to save some money so I quit Brinks. A debt collector called. first time they almost threatened me with a lawyer. but I am paying it off. They’re like crybabies if they don’t get what want they call a debt collectors. Brinks Home Security is like kindergarten.
Ed says
Stay away! Got a low battery message, was told they need to be replaced periodically. Nothing in the manual, TRIED to call tech support. On hold for a total of 45 minutes in 3 calls. The last one was a 20 minute wait when the music quit and no one responded, I gave up and immediately found this site, sounds like I’m not alone.
Oh, yeah, and they’ve been raising the price.
The sign in front of my yard says “Pro Link Protection” for what it’ s worth, but the phone is answered as Brinks.
sue says
I just recently changed from brinks to another security system. Monotronics is what they were called until Brinks took over I got doubly charged $70 because when they said there was a grace period for when the bank sent the money out there wasn’t..also it went through a third party billing so things worked against me all the way. When you called and talked to someone they didn’t care and just tacked on the fees anyway.. They did not leave me with a warm feeling in using this alarm system so I am done…
Maggie Myers says
My story starts back before they bought Monitronics. My panel began having issues. Setting off extremely loud alarms for no reason with the error code modem not work failure. I called the help number and was advised it would stop on it’s own. It didn’t, I asked for a tech, I was instead told to unplug it to stop the noise till they got there. That didn’t stop the noise and I was never put on a list to contact to schedule. I call back they’re equally useless so I’m forced to yell swear and scream to get connected to the person who can cancel my account. He finally schedules me a tech and tells me he found a way to save me a few dollars per month. Over the next 3 months I play telephone tag with them to get techs out there 3 different times and still no one has fixed it. I call again to cancel and tell them to pick up their equipment and I block the auto draft until this is resolved. They never pick it up, I sell the house, I assume we are done.
No, no, no not done. Now I find out that idiot of a rep signed me up for a 5 year contract and even put down that they installed a smoke detector for me. I tell Brinks my story and they basically tell me tough, you can pay the $50/month to just have a panel on the wall no extras, or pay us $2700 to cancel!! Talk about terrible service. I always see that don’t get scammed or stuck site about security systems, well don’t go with Brinks or you’ll wind up both scammed and stuck. Hands down the worst resolution of all time and beyond terrible customer service.
Char says
I wish I could give this company a negative star. This company doesn’t even deserve one star. I did everything they said to do to cancel service but it remained active and they continued to take my money. Of course no supervisor is available when you call. They are thieves and you can see by all of the other reviews that you should not use this company.
Karrie Genelle says
AVOID BRINKS AT ALL COSTS! I was a loyal customer of Brinks back when they were Monitronics for 10 YEARS. I recently moved and wanted to cancel my contract (same situation as another reviewer I see). They refused, were utterly unreasonable, and charged me 10 months of fees for literally nothing: pure profit for them. Their agents are horrible humans reading from a script, unempowered to think critically and make decisions. They will swindle you into a contract and refuse to treat you like a worthy customer.
Karol says
Beware of this company. Our alarm was originally installed and monitored by Monitronics who then turned into Moni and then into Brinks Home Security. Every few months our monitoring charges were raised. We finally go tired of it and called to cancel. When we originally signed our contract with Monitronics, we were paying in advance. So, when my husband called to cancel service at the end of July, our July 6th payment should have covered July and we should not have been charged again. We received the cancellation email and had signed and returned the email within one hour of receiving it. Low and behold another payment was auto deducted from our account in August. I immediately alerted the bank that the charge was fraudulent and, fortunately it was reversed. However, a few weeks later I received a bill from Brinks for the charge and additional charges for the reversed payment. I called an inquired about the charges and was informed that our account was never cancelled and that I would have to call back to speak to the confirmation department on Monday. My husband did so and was informed that Brinks charges in arrears for services rendered the previous month. I informed the gentleman on the phone that that was untrue and that we had always paid in advance since the beginning of our contract. He stated that may have been how Monitronics charged, but that was not how Brinks charges. PROBLEM: when Brinks took over Monitronics, we were never informed about the switch in billing method AND all of our payments continued to be withdrawn from our account as usual. WHICH MEANS….WE PAID FOR AN EXTRA MONTH OF SERVICE! And, they insisted we still owed them for an additional month after cancellation. The “customer service” representative on the phone didn’t care at all that they were out right stealing from us. So tired of companies like this ripping people off.
Liz says
I had LiveWatch for 2 years and absolutely loved them. Great customer service and they were easy to work with. A few months ago LiveWatch changed to Brinks Security and everything changed. LiveWatch used to text, email and call and leave a message if my alarm was set off. Earlier this week, Brinks apparently called me from a 1800 number and didn’t leave a message to say that my alarm was going off (which it wasn’t) and then called my emergency contacts (did not leave messages) and then called the police who showed up 2 hours later to my door. In the past, LiveWatch would try to make contact with me over text and email and voicemail. After calling in to customer service, the Brinks person now is telling me that “was never part of your plan” and that I need to upgrade and pay more money for text messages/emails/voicemails. Also, their customer service is terrible now and they transferred me around to several different people who all could not help me. I don’t think they should advertise that nothing has changed when things have clearly changed. I will not be recommending them to anyone and will probably cancel and try someone new.
lesley says
I can say it has been the WORST service. Sensors have gone off line countless times and nobody has been able to resolve this, essentially the system is worthless. When I call I sit on hold for 40 plus minutes. This is not the case with ADT-you do not sit on hold and nor should you have to with a security company. We will be cancelling our service. AWFUL>
karen hardin says
We sold our house and contacted Brinks that we wanted to cancel our service. Husband sent all forms etc. They turned us over to a credit company that hounds me every day. We were in good standing and only had 4 months to go on a 5 year contract. Customer service says we did not send any forms. Also said they did not have a form to send us. We have to make one up. Really?? They had records of calls where we advised we wanted to cancel service. All this harassment for 4 months. I will call the credit people and settle it there. This is ridiculous. In my opinion, if I did not sign up with Brinks I don’t have a contract. My contract was with the prior company not BRINKS. Never again — I would rather be robbed than put up with these people.
lesley says
I am not surprised
L.R. Andersen says
I,too, have lived a total nightmare with Brinks! I fell on 5/29 and in the confusion getting 911,my monitor was lost. My med team would not let me be without so began calling them for help. After calls several times a day for 10 days and no one took my call, was disconnected several times so had to contract with a liabable company. Called 6/11 and waited 53 minutes to ask for cancellation on my home. This agent was was so disrespectful and told me I had no right to cancel even tho I had been it’s Montrnics since 5/15 and on autopay. They raised my monthly fee every from Feb. to May. He said with autopay it was their right. I said I wanted cancellation. He finally sent edoc which I signed and they acknowledged receiving. Then it was constant calls, emails saying cancel wasn’t complete, talked to 6 people and all they could do is ask me to call another number. All exqupment was removed6/13 and I was paid thru 6/22 but they took another payment from my account. Had the bank dispute the charge and they aggreded to return my money.
Now, they are charging June fees, returned check fees, late fee and charges until 8/22. I am 92 years old but want to live in my home, as I have for 35 years. Spent 55 years working with legal contracts but never seen a more unethical company with such uninformed and disrespectful employees. Don’t just walk from a contract with Brinks RUN! We
David Christie says
I had ADT for 2 years and their equipt was out of date, they overcharged and were terrible to deal with. I changed to LIVE WATCH and for 15 months everything ran smoothly with no prpblems. In January 2018 my control monitor failed and I could not deal with it until I got home from the winter in Florida. I then found out that I was dealing with Brinks and immediately recognized that the standard of service had changed for the worst. I was told that Brinks went out of business and LIVE Watch purchased the name, which I do not believe and if they did, it was the dumbest thing that they could ever have done. 2 replacement control monitors later and many hours on the phone reprogramming the system, it lats for 10 days and fails again.. This time I am told that the software on my system is out of date and needs to be upgraded! I am in disbelief and tell them that unless they refund me the 6 months in which I have had no service I intend to terminate the service. They offer me one month refund and I’m done with them…or so I thought!. I have no contract and am on month to month but they want to go through this elaborate process that requires to be signed before they will deactivate a service that has not worked for 6 months!
Patricia T. Gunkler says
I had Moni for 10 yrs. Brinks purchased them. We moved out of town; canceled our service with Moni. It took ages to finally get them to cancel as I kept waiting for this e-mail I was to receive to cancel, yet they continued to bill me. I finally received my “e-mail” to cancel, completed and sent back in May. Now we moved in April. It is mid-July and I am still dealing with them. I just received a bill for 96.05 and I don’t even live in the town anymore. I would not deal with this company if the burglar was standing on my patio knocking on the door. They informed me I had not paid since my April bill, which I paid. Why they are billing me for May and June defeats me. We are considering a security company in the much larger city we currently reside in. It will not be Brinks. I have no faith in them at all now.
Steve says
The WORST customer “ no service”. I was on the phone on hold for nearly an hour. Issues still not resolved.
C. Casale says
Do not sign up with Brinks. My alarm went off and not only did they not get the verbal password over the panel, they left a voicemail for only one contact number, did not contact the other number and canceled the response unit because the alarm was turned off. They have no way to know how or who turned off the alarm but it is their policy to not send someone out if the alarm is turned off. I had 4 kids in the house and had someone broken in, the kids would have turned the alarm off if they were told to out of fear for their lives if they didn’t. Brinks endangered their welfare because of this negligence. This wasn’t their policy when I signed up 5 years ago or when I renewed the contract 2 years ago with Monitronics. Now that it is Brinks, apparently our safety isn’t their priority.
Cee says
I don’t work for Brinks, but you’re unintentionally giving misinformation due to ignorance about how alarm systems work. So I felt compelled to correct this publicly.
You’re simply miseducating your children to give the wrong code that could get them killed, hypothetically. Call Brinks and create a duress code for free in seconds.
If a burglar forces anyone to give you a code to turn off the alarm, you should never have the children give the standard code. You should always give the duress code. To clarify, these are two different codes that both stop the alarms from sounding, but only one secretly alerts the monitoring agency to dispatch police to your location EVEN though you silenced the alarm.
Entering a duress code instead of a standard silently and secretly informs the monitoring agency that you are under duress, and that police should be dispatched to your location, without the burglar ever knowing the difference. It is not an extra step, as in first enter the standard code and then try to enter or say the duress code without the burglar knowing like you’re in a bad movie. Rather, instead of the standard code you use to silent your alarm typically, you enter the duress code. Because you set this up with the monitoring system in advance, they know what it means when they receive it, and also know not to call back to confirm or announce on the phone or alarm panel speaker that it was triggered or that police are on the way. They know you are under duress.
Wanda Oliver says
I am so unhappy. We began having trouble in January. Many phone calls have been made (wait time is ridiculous) tech has come. Nothing changed. It is June and the only thing different is my contract expired. The cost of my system went up almost thirty dollars a month over the past 3 years that’s NOT what my contract says . I called to cancel and I spoke to a really rude guy who refused to let me speak to a manager or give me the address where I needed to send a letter cancelling and telling them why I wanted to cancel. He said I could find the address on my own.
Yvonne says
I am in a 36 month contract with them since 2015 and didn’t realize they were slowly increasing my rates (I do autopay so never caught it until a few months ago). This is a very deceptive company to work for. Everyone acts like they don’t understand my complaint. I have reported them to BBB and to the Texas Dept. of Safety
James Stevens says
worst service ever. Been trying to get ahold of Brinks for over a week to have my alarm panel replaced as it’s not working. Keep being put on hold for over an hour so have not been able to wait. Finally changed companies. Now trying to cancel my service and was told I had to fill out an email they would send me. Still haven’t received it so called back as was explained that it takes a couple days to receive it. I explained that my new alarm is coming in today and need it cancelled. They said there was nothing they could do except put my alarm on test so it wouldn’t go off when replaced. I will never go back to this company.
Scott says
We had Monitronics for nearly five years. Now it’s evidently Brinks as of May 30, 2018. Our alarm went off yesterday and we received absolutely NO response from them. I then found out it is now Brinks. Tried to get a refund for 48.40 and cancel account. 36 minutes later and 3 reps, I now have to go through their “cancellation policy” to cancel my account; which will take more time on my part. They also said they informed me via email that this change was coming; why did they have to ask me for my email address then?? Alo, the first rep said they couldn’t issue a refund for auto pay customers unless the account was rejected. If the account was rejected then I wouldn’t need a refund.
ADT was good years ago when we had them but DO NOT USE BRINKS. Customer service and the reps are useless
Never did have a good feeling about Brinks (even 20 years ago) and now I know why!
Annette Nunnally says
Brinks bought out Moni and is off to a bad start. it would have been nice when they sent the email to put Moni’s name somewhere so we would know it was the new owner.
My real problem is that I call to make my payments by their automated system. All of a sudden, the number given on the bill is to a “live” person who wants to charge me $5 to take my money. I insisted on the automated pay and she transferred me where the automated system took my information and then transferred me back to a “live” person. I thought with mergers you just go in and use what’s there! Obviously not. It took 30 minutes to get my payment applied by a surly low talking individual. The first ” live” person I talked to had a sore throat with hoarseness and was not too clear in communicating. Did they bring their help with them? I never had a problem like this with Moni. They were efficient in taking my money. If Brinks doesn’t become efficient, I will lhave to seek out some efficiency elsewhere.
Aaron says
They did the same thing to me and extended my contract by 3 years. I am now in the process of canceling and contact BBB.
sdrice says
Brinks bought Moni and Brinks is the worst! My hold time for Tech support said wait time 10 mins. I have been on hold now for 45 mins. I’m basically holding just to see how long it will take someone to answer my call. I called last week about my sky bell not working. They pretty much told me not their problem because the bell system is not covered under warranty The sky bell was installed by Moni less them 2 months ago. I’m still on hold 50 mins.
Scott says
Just had the same problem here. 2-10 minutes turned into 36 minutes. All I want to do is cancel my account. Should be pretty simple.
“Your call is important to us” doesn’t mean squat anymore.
Moe says
Not a happy camper. Has something changed since writing this review with the company? It was a HASSLE to get someone to give me a quote and then I agreed to it and they kept no showing to install it. I was even charged and billed an installation fee. Every since ADT took over I can’t help but feel like the place went downhill.
Mark says
I never thought about asking for new signs. I just never thought that it might tip of a Bulgar to break in. Not really sure why I never got new signs in the first place. Isn’t that part of updating the service.
Fred Smith says
Have you tried calling them? I got new signs myself but it wasn’t until I actually found an e-mail in my spam folder notifying me about the changed Brinks was going through. I know more people than not to have no idea that Brinks was sold out right.
Scott says
They told me I was sent an email about the company “name” change, but when I finally talked to them they had to ask for my email address because they didn’t see one in the account.
Shelby says
I haven’t had any issues with them. I do admit there was a little confusion with all the mergers but everything was straightened out pretty easily for me. I found that a lot of older people on my block were the people that didn’t changed their signs. I took the time to advise them for their safety.
Danny says
I had such a hard time when they did this merging that I ended up switching to a different company. What I could not understand is that people I personally know has NO ISSUES yet me and so many others did. I don’t know what went wrong but I am done with it.
Annette Nunnally says
I can identify with you. If I have another encounter like the one I had today I will also seek out another service. I don’t know why it is so hard to just take over what the previous owners left behind,. Plus the staff seems not to be as customer-oriented.
Derek says
I still see some people with Brinks security signs out in front of their yards and I admit I chuckle inside. If they knew they were advertising a company that hasn’t existed for 5 years I think they might change it! They are basically asking robbers to come right in.
Hugh Adele says
I have used brinks as a home security provider for 1 year. I just built a new home, so I got that. It’s such a simple system to install. Plug it in, stick it on and it’s done. I didn’t have to bring someone in. I haven’t had to contact them, but when I did initially, it was very good. Their system helps in my sense of security. I live on a pond so it’s a little bit more secluded, and it’s helpful to know that it’s there.
Alarm Reviews says
Thanks Hugh. You may be referring to a different company as Brinks is no longer around. However, if you still have a Brinks sign outside your door, contact ADT and ask for a new sign. Your billing has most likely been automatically updated but not every customer received new signs and are aware that Brinks is no longer the company providing your monitoring services. Thanks and best of luck out there!
Daniel says
Brinks was a great company. The equipment and everything they had was designed well or works well and the service. It will be interesting to see if they keep their name as Brinks in the future or do something else with their brand. Thanks for the info Alarm Reviews!
Donald Coppola says
I have never had a security system prior to brinks! Early in my experience I stepped outside forgetting to disarm the system. Within seconds my telephone was ringing! So incredibly impressed. Eventually (due to the loss of my wife, and dealing with Estate Matters) I plan on adding on to my security system! Best move I could have made for home security!
Peter G says
They were awesome! It’s a shame they have withered away or got bought out but they were one of the most trusted home security companies around until that time.
David says
Funny that I came across this. I was just telling my friend down the street that he needs to remove the sign cause most smarter criminals aint buying it no more! LOL I know someone at work who bought a security sign for his yard and front window and swears it works. I am happy paying to know I am protected haha
Mandy says
This makes me laugh because my sister did the same thing and she has had the sign for a few years now. She said that she is leaving it even though they no longer have the service. I would be too nervous relying on a sign in the lawn if you ask me!
Jacob Gellar says
My buddy tried the same thing and was robbed not once, but three times! He finally broke down and got Brinks and has been happy since. We don’t live in a bad area but the people who do come to our area to steal and wreck stuff. Its worth having security.
jerry says
I’ve been a customer of Brink’s for over 7 years, and now they’ve merged with ADT. I’ve had their newest Global Satellite Module system, which was working fine until about 2 months ago. Now, the control panel beeps at 3:00AM, waking us up and at various times during the day indicating C1/C-P communication problems with the tower. I’ve been instructed to hit cancel twice which stops the beeping, but apparently, we have no service although we are still getting billed for it!
Mark says
Brinks Home Security was awesome. I used to have one of their standard phone line home security system but what was so great about them was the customer service. I moved houses a few years ago. I took the system with me but didn’t install it at the new residence right away.
Julie says
Great to read this review! I need to get an alarm system but we will probably be moving in about a year. Good to hear that you were able to take the system with you. Were you able to resolve the issues you had when moving?
Carol Roberts says
Sad to see such a prestigious and good company gone. I know it’s been a while since they were pretty much bought out by ADT, but it still is weird not seeing them around anymore. My parents were a subscriber to their home security and it works so well. It was sad seeing how bad it was near the end, but oh well. Time to move on I suppose.
Jake Birchall says
Long live Brinks. They had a good run but you may see their armored trucks driving around carrying your banks money!
Tony says
It seems like Brinks in still around. ADT is a really great alarm company too. I know several people that use it.
Alarm Reviews says
Hey Tony,
Brinks is still around just not as a home security company. They offer business money movement and other services. All former Brinks customers have been moved over to ADT. Thanks for letting us know your thoughts though.